A MARCH businessman found collapsed in an alleyway in the town on Friday night - believed to be a victim of a serious assault - has serious head injuries, his father has revealed to the Cambs Times.

Colin Lyons, 46, who runs Mirror Magic in Station Road, was discovered in the alleyway off High Street, opposite the Oliver Cromwell Hotel, just after 10pm by a passing cyclist. He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

His father, Michael Lyons of Henford Gardens, said: “He is conscious and out of intensive care. He has a lot of damage to his head and his injuries include a fractured skull, bleeding to the brain, fractured bones in his head and black eyes. The police say the investigation into what happened is still going on.”

Mr Lyons and his wife were told what had happened when police officers visited their home at around 12.30am.

Police say that circumstances around the incident are unclear although detectives believe Mr Lyons may have been assaulted. They would like to speak to two men who were seen in the area at the time who could have important information.

DC Mark Yendley, investigating, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who may have information that could help our investigation.

“It is not clear what happened but we believe the victim may have been assaulted. I would also urge the cyclist who first reported the incident to police officers to contact me.”

It is believed Mr Lyons was on his way home after collecting an Indian take-away meal.

Regulars in the Coachmakers Arms pub opposite Mirror Magic said they had been shocked to hear of the incident.

Nova Bartlett said: “He is a lovely person and all his mates in here think the world of him. We will be glad to see him back in here. Whoever has done this to him should get their comeuppances.

“He would never be nasty to anyone. He is a biker with leathers but he is such a gentle person. No one could ever say anything terrible about him.”

Mirror Magic is closed today (Monday) with a notice on the door explaining the closure is “due to family illness”.

Anyone with information should contact DC Yendley on 0345 456 456 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.